Manti Te'o: Odds on Where Polarizing LB Will Land After Day 1 Draft Snub

Manti Te'o: Odds on Where Polarizing LB Will Land After Day 1 Draft Snub

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Manti Te'o fell out of the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. To some, this was a complete shock. To others, not so much.

There will be plenty of talent available when Round 2 gets underway on Friday evening, but where will the polarizing Notre Dame linebacker ultimately land?

Here are some possibilities.

Chicago Bears

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The Chicago Bears are in the market for a middle linebacker after the departure of legendary defender Brian Urlacher.

Te'o projects as a traditional inside 'backer in a 4-3 defense, and with his instincts in coverage, he would fill the void left by Urlacher.

In theory, Chicago's proximity to Notre Dame would also mean the selection of Te'o would be well-received by the team's fanbase.

The only problem? The Bears have the 18th pick in the second round—Te'o may be gone by then.

Chance: 10 percent

New York Giants

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The New York Giants aren't decidedly thin at the linebacker spot, but it's hard to think they had the long-term future in mind when they added middle linebacker Dan Connor in free agency.

Playing in the Big Apple may be a bit of a distraction for the G-Men, but Tom Coughlin has the respect of the relentless media, and he runs a tight ship.

Te'o could flourish in New York's 4-3 alignment, especially with the defensive line talent in front of him.

However, the Giants have the 17th pick in the second round, which may be too late for Te'o.

Chance: 10 percent

Detroit Lions

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The Detroit Lions added defensive lineman Ezekiel Ansah in the first round, and there's a decent chance they stay on that side of the ball in Round 2.

Stephen Tulloch is a serviceable middle linebacker, but it's not unfathomable that Jim Schwartz would like to upgrade at that spot—or, at the very least, add depth to the linebacking corps.

The Lions have the fourth pick in the second round. With just the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles in front of them, Te'o should be available when they get on the clock.

Chance: 20 percent

Buffalo Bills

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The Buffalo Bills hold the ninth and 14th picks in the second round, giving them two shots to pick Te'o.

The athletic yet still developing Nigel Bradham and the relatively underwhelming Kelvin Sheppard are the team's current starting inside linebackers.

With Mike Pettine's hybrid defense coming to Buffalo, there's major potential for Te'o to be one of Buffalo's selections to play role David Harris did for the New York Jets.